Mentally Preparing for the Winter Months 

The Idea of the Week

For some people, the oncoming winter season carries the ominous warning that Seasonal Affective Disorder lurks around the corner. Seasonal Affective Disorder (a 3-minute read) refers to a Major Depressive Disorder that has a seasonal pattern. For instance, an individual may experience Major Depression during the winter season, but the symptoms remit with the passing season. 

It’s natural for people to feel more fatigued, unmotivated, and “down” during the winter months, or what may be colloquially called experiencing the “winter blues.” While we can’t change the essence of winter, we can still Prepare Ourselves for the Winter Months (a 5-minute read) and find ways to improve our mood and mental health during these dark, cold months.

Practice of the Week

It is thought that a lack of light influences Seasonal Affective Disorder, so light therapy is often recommended to help improve mood. So, whether or not you have Seasonal Affective Disorder, a common way to prepare for the winter months is to let the sun shine in: soak in the sun (while protecting your skin!) and have a breath of fresh air when the weather permits—even if it’s just standing huddled in layers of coats on your porch for a couple of minutes or sitting by the window when the sun is out.

In this 7-minute read, VeryWellMind shares 10 Tips to Beat the Winter Blues and improve your mood during the winter months:

1. Take a break from the news.
2. Consider the food you eat: you may want to consume foods that are high in vitamin D.
3. Keep up with your sleep routine. Remember the importance of sleep hygiene?
4. Do some physical activity. Physical activity can boost mood and reduce stress and symptoms of depression. You don’t have to do a full workout routine. You can start slowly and even go for a walk for a few minutes a day. The point is to move and get your heart pumping. 
5. Try the 10x10x10 plan because it’s common to feel unmotivated and lacking energy during the winter months and when feeling depressed. The 10x10x10 plan refers to breaking down a plan into smaller chunks, such as breaking down a plan to walk for 30-minutes a day into chunks of 10 minutes spread throughout the day. 
6. Call on your support system. 
7. Let the sun shine in. 
8. Consider light therapy.
9. Seek professional help.
10. Consider medication with your doctor or mental health professional.

Winter is coming. How will you prepare? Let us know on our Instagram or Facebook page!

The Thought of the Week

Wishing you a peaceful week!